South African Skipper Laura Wolvaardt made her name in the annals of women’s cricket history, breaking the long-standing record for the highest individual score by a Proteas player ICC Women’s World Cup.
In a breath-taking and power-hitting match against Class-Rivals Undergan, Wolvaardt during the 2025 World Cup semi-final, Wolvaardt produced an innings of a lifetime – just 143 balls. His heroics skittled South Africa to a mammoth total of 319/7, rewriting the nation’s World Cup Batting records and giving them a commanding position in the high-stakes clash.
The historical beating of Laura Wolvaardt
The right-handed switch was in fine touch throughout his shots, mixing elegant drives with calculated aggression. His marathon 169 was caught, stretched with 20 boundaries and 4 towering sixes Marizanne Kapp102 * a long-standing record set back in 2013.
Wolvaardt’s innings in Guwahati was a masterclass in building an innings under pressure. 116 run opening partnership after one over Compensation Brits (45), South Africa suffered a brief collapse in the middle overs. But the Skipper stood tall, before unleashing a flurry of late boundaries that left the English attack in tatters, including a vital 72-run stand with KAPP (42) who had a string of partnerships.
The fight wasn’t just about runs; It was about milestones. Wolvaardt became the first South African captain to score a century in a women’s World Cup knockout match. She also made her 5,000th mark in the women’s ODIS – a record unmatched by any of her compatriots.
Other iconic shots for South Africa in world cups
Marizanne Kapp (102 vs Pakistan, 2013): Before Wolvaardt’s astonishing efforts, Kapp’s unbeaten South Cup 102 against Pakistan during the 2013 World Cup was the gold standard of South African batting. His all-round brilliance led the Proteas to a dominant 126-year victory, setting the tone for generations to come.
Linda Olivier (101 vs Ireland, 2000): South Africa’s first women’s world cup century came from Olivier during the 2000 edition in New Zealand. Her unbeaten 101 against Ireland in Lincoln laid the foundation for a comfortable nine-wicket win and remains one of the pioneering knocks in South African Women’s Cricket.
Compensation Brits (101 vs New Zealand, 2025): Scoring 101 against New Zealand in Same Tournament to Brits Elite Club. His fluent batting guided South Africa to a decisive six-wicket victory and his 159-run partnership with Sune Luus was reported to be the Proteas’ dominant group stage outing.
This article was originally published WomenCricket.coma Cricket era Company.
